Way back in 1996 I was working at an electronics store. One day, while on a break, I was perusing the music selection. As I passed the M's an album caught my eye. The album cover pictured four men with cellos and bore the title: Apocalyptica Plays Metallica by Four Cellos.

I was intrigued to say the least, and at that moment the only thing holding me back from getting it was the pricy import tag. After a scant few days, I could wait no longer and snapped up the lone copy. The music was fantastic. I had never heard anything quite like it. Two years later, I picked up their second release, Inquisition Symphony, featuring not only Metallica covers, but also Pantera, Faith No More, and Sepultura. Following that I lost track of them. Now, ten years later, I have rediscovered the band with their sixth full length studio album, Worlds Collide, and I am glad to be doing so. This is a fantastic release.

This Finnish quartet is a truly original voice on the heavy music front and they have clearly grown over the years. Over the past decade their sound has become much more refined and polished, while retaining the edge and energy of any metal act. This is the first time that I have heard them play so much with a drummer, an aspect they added part time with the release of their fourth album, Reflections, with five songs featuring Slayer's Dave Lombardo behind the kit. Their fifth album, Apocalyptica, featured continued use of drums as well as songs with vocals from guests such as HIM's Ville Vallo. Now, the trend has continued, full time drums and a number of songs with vocals. Don't worry. The instrumentals are still here in full force.

Granted, I have not heard anything between Inquisition Symphony and Worlds Collide, so when I pressed play I was greated by a sound that I was not expecting. Yes, it sounds like Apocalyptica, but it is something bigger, more energetic and all around better.

The album begins with the title track, an instrumental that features the band at the top of their game. To the casual listener, it may sound like guitars, but it becomes apparent these sounds are definitely not made by guitar. The tone, style, and sound all point towards the cello. Welcome to the world of cello-metal.